1st Machine

[ArkieNewbie]

Let me preface everything that follows with this, I have no idea what I am talking about and only know what I've read on websites as it relates to sewing machines. 

I am starting my research process for purchasing my first sewing machine. The number of options are just as daunting as the prices. I make a wide variety of things. I like to make belts, wallets, journal covers, and laptop bags. The only thing that I want to do that I haven't done yet is cover hat bills with leather and also doing leather patches on hats. I've read enough on here to know that one machine will not be the best for all of these things but unfortunately I am limited by budget and space to one machine for now.  

From my research I am drawn to the Cowboy CB3200, the Consew 206RB-5, Consew 1206RB-1, the Sailrite Fabricator, and the Cobra Class 20. I like the cylinder arm prospects of the CB3200 and figure it would be a necessity for hat patches. 

Am I looking in the right direction? Are there other machines to consider? Thanks in advance for your help and input!

https://www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-Deluxe-Fabricator-Sewing-Machine-Package

https://www.springfieldleather.com/Sewing-Machine-Cobra-Class20

https://www.tolindsewmach.com/cb3200.html

https://www.tolindsewmach.com/consew-206rb.html

https://www.tolindsewmach.com/consew-p1206rb.html  

[kgg]

1 hour ago, ArkieNewbie said:

I am starting my research process for purchasing my first sewing machine. The number of options are just as daunting as the prices. I make a wide variety of things. I like to make belts, wallets, journal covers, and laptop bags. The only thing that I want to do that I haven't done yet is cover hat bills with leather and also doing leather patches on hats.

Since most of what you are making can easily be done on a flatbed I would suggest you purchase i) a brand name machine like a Juki DNU - 1541 S ( https://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/juki-1541s.php ) ii) for your bags a cylinder bed machine which probably could handle your hat patches a Juki LS-1341.

If I had to choose one machine to cover off what you listed I would look for a brand name class 341 cylinder bed machine with a flat top attachment. If you can afford one a new Juki LS-1341, if the cost is beyond your budget a clone. There are many clones in this class like the Cowboy CB341, Cobra Class 26, Kobe LS-1341, Techsew 2750. Another option of course would be a used machine.

kgg

[ArkieNewbie]

Thanks for the suggestions @kgg ! The Juki LS-1341would be a good bit outside my price range but this used one would fit in the budget pretty well and it sounds like it has been serviced and should work well. https://dixietailoringsupply.com/product/juki-ls-1341-used/ I think the ticket may be a used 1341 with @Uwe's flatbed attachment. That would give me all the versatility I should need, at least for now. 

Now comes the tricky part. Convincing my wife! haha

[kgg]

32 minutes ago, ArkieNewbie said:

The Juki LS-1341would be a good bit outside my price range but this used one would fit in the budget pretty well and it sounds like it has been serviced and should work well. https://dixietailoringsupply.com/product/juki-ls-1341-used/ 

That is a typical price ($1550 cad or $1140 usd) plus shipping for a used Juki LS-1341 in Ontario, Canada. The only thing I would have them really check is the amount of wear on the internal drive belt. I know of one sold about year ago and the belt was in terrible shape.

38 minutes ago, ArkieNewbie said:

I think the ticket may be a used 1341 with @Uwe's flatbed attachment. That would give me all the versatility I should need, at least for now. 

Definitely. If you decide to upgrade or change machines at some point it will be easier to sell the Juki.

39 minutes ago, ArkieNewbie said:

Now comes the tricky part. Convincing my wife! haha

Can't help there.

kgg

[ArkieNewbie]

17 minutes ago, kgg said:

The only thing I would have them really check is the amount of wear on the internal drive belt.

Great tip! Thanks for your help!

[Gezzer]

1 hour ago, ArkieNewbie said:

 

Now comes the tricky part. Convincing my wife! haha

Really , I mean think about it ......... it's HER Christmas present !!  Not your fault she don't sew

 

Seriously  good luck with whatever you get and look forward to seeing your creations !!!!

[kgg]

3 hours ago, Gezzer said:

it's HER Christmas present !!  Not your fault she don't sew

That is a good one.

kgg

[ArkieNewbie]

On 11/29/2022 at 1:20 PM, Gezzer said:

Really , I mean think about it ......... it's HER Christmas present !!  Not your fault she don't sew

My oldest daughter has been asking for a sewing machine to make clothes with, maybe I can slide that in there too haha

[Wizcrafts]

2 hours ago, ArkieNewbie said:

My oldest daughter has been asking for a sewing machine to make clothes with, maybe I can slide that in there too haha

You can start her out with a domestic sewing machine found at Joann Fabrics. They have a (Viking) section where there is a person demoing the machines they carry. They even give classes. Everything from sewing seams up to embroidery.

If she gets good at it and wants to take the next step, you can buy her a straight stitch dress makers' sewing machine (e.g., Juki DDL-8700). Some of these spin at 90 stitches per second and have oil pumps! Not a beginners machine!